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The California governor, a leading Democratic figure, has revealed that he intends to decide on whether to run for president in 2028 after the 2026 congressional elections conclude.

"Yes, I couldn't be truthful if I denied it," Newsom commented when questioned about contemplating a White House bid after the 2026 midterms. "It wouldn't be the truth. And I won't do that."

Newsom's tenure as governor wraps up in the start of 2027, and term limits prevent another run. But, he emphasized that any choice is a long way off.

"It's up to destiny," he remarked.

Increased Visibility as a Trump Critic

Newsom has emerged as a high-profile adversary of the Trump administration, employing his online platforms and pushing a initiative that would boost Democratic congressional seats in response to Republican redistricting efforts. This move has drawn criticism from political opponents.

Controversy Over Funds

Donald Trump's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, accused that the governor shows no concern about Californians in a weekend segment on Fox News. The secretary revealed intentions to cut government money from California and warned revoking the power to provide CDLs.

"I plan to withdraw $160m from California," he said, following a recent deadly accident in the state involving an non-citizen semi truck driver that caused three deaths and injured individuals.

The governor's team highlighted that the U.S. government had reauthorized the individual's authorization on several occasions, which allowed him to secure a commercial driver's license under U.S. law.

Duffy had previously stated he was holding back $40m from the state for ignoring linguistic standards for commercial drivers.

Firm Rebuttal from the Team

"One-time television figure, now transportation chief, continues to misunderstand national statutes," the governor's team responded in a last month's statement addressing Duffy's threats. "For now, unlike this clown, we focus on reality: California commercial driver's license holders had a death rate nearly 40% lower than the countrywide rate. The state of Texas – the sole state with more commercial holders – has a rate almost 50% higher than California. Statistics are clear. The Trump administration does."

Polling Data and Political Future

A recently conducted poll found that 72% of Democrats and almost half of voters indicated that the governor must consider running for president in 2028. In recent years, his approval ratings has increased to an average of about one-third from previous levels, while his disapproval has fallen from an typical level of more than 40% to under 40%.

In previous months, Newsom remarked while on a trip several swing states that he had "no idea" about his future for the next presidential election.

He noted his past difficulties, including being identified as dyslexic at the age of five.

"The thought that a individual who got 960 on his SAT, who continues to find reading challenging, who was always in the back of the classroom – that such a possibility is discussed is, by itself, extraordinary," he stated. "No one can say? I await who presents themselves in 2028 and who answers the call. And that's the question for the voters."